Alameda County
Biographies
JOHN PETER COOK.
John Peter Cook, now in the third term of his able service as county clerk of Alameda county, is one of California's native sons, his birth having occurred in San Francisco, on the 30th of November, 1869, his parents being Peter and Margaret Cook. The public and high schools of his native city afforded him his educational opportunities and after he was graduated in 1886 he spent two years in the University of California. He then began his independent career, engaging as a clerk for Whittier, Fuller & Company, dealers in paints in San Francisco, and he remained active in their interests until 1895, when he was appointed deputy county clerk of Alameda county under F. C. Jordan, who is now secretary of state. He continued as deputy until 1902 and in that year was elected county clerk, serving by re-election in 1906 and again in 1910. He still holds this position, his continued return to office indicating the value of his services and their acceptability to the public at large.
Mr. Cook married, on the 16th of June, 1897, in Woodland, California, Miss Sadie Briggs, and they have three children, Mildred, Virginia and Carol, all of whom are attending public school. Mr. Cook gives his political allegiance to the republican party and fraternally is connected with Masonic order, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Native Sons of the Golden West. He is also secretary of the Oakland Baseball Association. With him perseverance, diligence and integrity have been the guiding principles of life, bringing him to the honorable position which he now occupies in the opinion of his fellow citizens among whom he has long lived and labored.
Past & Present of Alameda County, California – Vol II, S. J. Clarke Publ. Co., 1914
p. 302
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler
ALPHONSE CARPENTIER.
Alphonse Carpentier needs no introduction to the people of Alameda or San Francisco for during the twenty-nine years during which he has resided in the former city and done business in the latter, he has become widely and favorably known as a man whose high integrity and excellent business ability constitute him a prominent factor in community advancement and progress. He is a native of Belgium and is a representative of one of the most honored families in that country.
Alphonse Carpentier was reared and educated in Belgium and after laying aside his books served fifteen years in the Belgian army as aide de camp. In 1884 he came to America and after his arrival in this country pushed directly westward to California, settling in Alameda where he has since made his home. He established himself in the shipping and importing business in San Francisco and to this line of work he has given his attention for twenty-nine years, success steadily attending his well directed labors. Through energy, enterprise and persistent purpose, he has developed a large and profitable business and has taken his place among the deservedly successful and able business men of the community, his name standing today as a synonym for straightforward and honorable methods, and high commercial standards.
Mr. Carpentier married Miss Angele Cobb of Belgium, a daughter of John and Marie Cobb, and they have three children: Gabrielle, Jeanne and Marguerite, all born in Brussels, Belgium. Mr. Carpentier is a member of the San Francisco Commercial Club and is always active and interested in anything which tends to promote business activity and commercial growth. The culture of previous generations has left its impress upon him and his well developed intellectual powers and his breadth of view make him a favorite in social circles where intelligent men gather for the discussion of deep and vital questions. Alameda is proud to number him among her citizens, and he in turn is proud of the achievements of the city where he has resided for over a quarter of a century.
Past & Present of Alameda County, California – Vol II, S. J. Clarke Publ. Co., 1914
p. 303
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler